Radiotherapy For Stomach Cancer – What You Need To Know

Radiotherapy plays a significant role in the treatment of stomach cancer, particularly in specific stages and patient conditions. It is commonly used as an adjuvant therapy following surgery, helping to eliminate any remaining cancer cells and reduce the risk of recurrence. For patients who are not eligible for surgery due to health limitations or advanced disease, radiotherapy can be a primary treatment option.

Patients with locally advanced gastric cancer often undergo concurrent chemoradiotherapy. This approach combines radiation with chemotherapy, typically using drugs like cisplatin and 5-fluorouracil, to enhance treatment effectiveness. In cases where the cancer has spread to distant organs such as the liver or peritoneum, radiotherapy may be used palliatively to relieve symptoms and improve quality of life.

There are several scenarios where surgery may not be feasible. Some patients may have widespread local invasion or distant metastases, making surgical removal impractical. Others may suffer from severe comorbidities such as significant heart, lung, liver, or kidney dysfunction. Severe malnutrition, anemia, or low protein levels can also make surgery too risky, in which case radiotherapy becomes a viable alternative.

For both pre- and post-operative treatment plans, the combination of cisplatin and 5-fluorouracil is often recommended alongside radiotherapy. This regimen enhances the effectiveness of radiation and helps control tumor growth. Ultimately, the decision to use radiotherapy depends on the individual patient's condition, the stage of the cancer, and overall health status.